Cascade Lake Triathlon - TriathlonSprint

The big debate of the morning was whether to wear my wetsuit or not. The water temp was rumored to be 71, but the air was so cold that I just went for it. Many others were wearing them too, so I didn't feel like a goofball or anything. I was soooo nervous before the start. The course looked much longer than I imagined and I was cold and panicky. Once the race started I got kicked and hit in the face quite a bit. Swallowed a lot of water in the first couple minutes (after a particularly hard smack to the face) which caused a small choking fit (freaked out the girl next to me!). Before I knew it though, I was rounding the 2nd buoy and coming down the home stretch. Then the 1/4 mile run up hill to the transition....


I think I need swim lessons. I feel like no matter how much effort I give it, I'm always the same speed - slow.

I was going slow and I knew it. I think it was partly because I was dreading the bike and partly because I just don't have it all down to a science yet.

I think I just need practice.

After mile 9 I was wondering what all the fuss was about - then the real hills began. The last 5 miles were pretty brutal but I really did a lot better than I thought. The worst was a hill that came just after a VERY sharp right around mile 10 (I think). As soon as you make the turn the sucker is looming over you. Some guy behind me yelled "sweet jesus." Couldn't have said it better myself. I guess I had psyched myself out so bad that there was no way it could've been as bad as my imagination. Most importantly - I fell in love with my bike all over again!!

I need to bike a lot more. I think that now that my bike and I have reached an understanding, I won't have to force myself out there anymore. Can't wait to bike this week actually. Since my ankle is hurting pretty bad, I think I'll be biking a bit more over the next couple of weeks.

I think I need to develop a sense of urgency about the transition areas. I just get in there and think to myself "ahh, time to relax." Not the point!!

First of all, my ankle killed me for the first half but I pushed through it. I had nothing left at the end which almost never happens to me. But somehow, this was a new 5k pr!!

Grabbed a water and waited for my sister. Then had some pretzels and watched the awards.


Need more time on the bike.


Overall I'm pretty proud of myself. I think my biggest accomplishment of the day was overcoming my fear and nervousness at the beginning. If this bike course is as bad as everyone says, and I was still able to do well, then I think I'm up for almost anything. And one of the most important parts of the day - I fell head over heels for my bike. Everything finally clicked and I am no longer kicking myself for buying it!!